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CASE IH CELEBRATES AXIAL-FLOW ANNIVERSARY

It's been 30 years since the introduction of the Axial-Flow combine revolutionized crop harvesting. As part of a celebration surrounding the anniversary year, Case IH has launched a new Web site and released a commemorative fine art print.

Web site and art print commemorate 30 years of rotary combine technology

RACINE, Wis. - It's been 30 years since the introduction of the Axial-Flow combine revolutionized crop harvesting. As part of a celebration surrounding the anniversary year, Case IH has launched a new Web site and released a commemorative fine art print.

When it made its debut in 1977, the Axial-Flow combine was a major advancement in harvesting technology. Replacing the complex, difficult-to-maintain construction of traditional straw walker combines with a simple single-rotor design, the Axial-Flow combine produced higher yields, less damage to the harvested grain and easier operation and maintenance.

"We're excited that Axial-Flow is turning 30 and still leading the way at harvest time the whole world over," says Krista Knigge, Case IH director of global brand communications. "We're inviting everyone to join our celebration of this innovative technology."

"We expect Field Reports to be the most popular area of the site," Knigge says. "We're looking forward to hearing from customers about how Axial-Flow technology has benefited their operations.

"We already have posted stories from engineers and farmers who were the first generation of Axial-Flow designers and users. From their comments, we can get a taste of the excitement they felt when this harvesting revolution was just moving into the marketplace."

The 30th anniversary Web site also features sections on the technology's history, its application in the field and recent performance and power upgrades that are keeping Case IH combines ahead of the pack in design excellence and reliability.

The art of Axial-Flow To commemorate the Axial-Flow 30th anniversary, Case IH also commissioned an original watercolor painting. Entitled "Generations of Productivity," this dramatic painting depicts a current Axial-Flow model and customer, with a background that symbolizes the heritage of Case IH harvesters, including history's first mechanical harvester, the reaper invented by Cyrus McCormick and first demonstrated in 1831, as well as the first Axial-Flow combine introduced in 1977.

The 20- x 24-inch print is available in a special limited edition, signed and numbered by the artist, for $99.99. An unsigned version is available for $49.99. Prints may be ordered through any Case IH dealer or by calling (262) 636-7540 and asking for the Axial-Flow print. Orders also may be placed online at the http://www1.caseih.com/northamerica/Pages/Home.aspx Web site. Click on the "Merchandise" link and follow the directions there.

The watercolor is the work of award-winning artist Tom Nachreiner, a lifelong Wisconsin resident and graduate of the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. He has gained a reputation for fine art illustrations and paintings and is adept at capturing the essence of a moment in time.

According to Krista Knigge, response to Nachreiner's painting has been gratifying. "As soon as people saw the original watercolor, they started asking where they could get a copy for themselves. That's why we're making it available as a fine art print," she says. "We expect it to be popular with dealers, farmers and Case IH collectors."

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment -- for those who demand more. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site-specific farming tools.